bipolar disorder

bipolar disorder A disorder, formerly called manic-depressive illness, in which the patient cycles through uncontrollable mood states. Less prevalent than simple clinical depression, bipolar disorders involve cycles of depression, hypomania (elevated mood), mania (extremely elevated mood), and in some cases psychosis. Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. Both depression and mania affect thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems. For example, unwise business, financial, and personal decisions may be made when an individual is in a manic phase. Bipolar disorder is usually a chronic recurring condition, with serious impairment and suicide common in untreated cases. The cause is as yet unknown, although bipolar disorders appear to have a strong genetic basis and may be influenced by seasonal patterns, hormones, or viral infection. A strategy that combines medication and psychosocial treatment is optimal for managing bipolar disease. Also known as manic-depressive disease and manic depression. See also cyclothymia; seasonal affective disorder; depression; mania; mixed mania.